F2 – Antonio Felix Da Costa to join F2 winter testing at Portimão

Antonio Felix da Costa will join the FIA Formula Two Championship’s forthcoming winter test at Portimão this week (2/3 December), following on from a highly impressive performance in Formula One’s rookie tests at Abu Dhabi for the Force India team.

Despite having never experienced F1 machinery before, Da Costa finished third fastest in the opening day of rookie testing at the Yas Marina circuit, more than one second clear of the team’s long term test driver Paul di Resta. He also finished ahead of several exceptional young talents including Sauber’s reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez, Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Mikhail Aleshin and Red Bull protegee Jean-Eric Vergne.

Following on from such an accomplished performance, the Portuguese driver has signed up for the opening day of Formula Two’s winter testing programme at Portimão, where he admits he will again targeting finishing towards the top of the timesheets.

“Its always good to be in a racing car and it is an official test, so you will be looking to the timesheets and at the end of the day lets see what we can do!,” Felix da Costa explained. “I have followed some (F2) races and its interesting with the boost and the controls on the steering wheel, so I’m looking forward to it!”

Antonio, a racewinner in the 2010 Formula 3 Euroseries championship, also admitted F2 was a serious consideration for him next year, saying: “I’m not sure what I’m racing in 2011, I’m still considering options but this test will be a good chance to try the car and be a big influence to put F2 in our plans!

“It was a dream come true, to be sat in a Formula One car and particularly with such an experienced team like Force India, and for sure to be quick is always nice. In the end of the day I was third fastest and my best effort was on my last lap, so I think there is still more to come – but for that I need to wait for another opportunity!”